Why Avoid Deus Ex Machina?
You should avoid deus ex machina because it can make your story feel unbelievable and contrived, leading to a sense of disappointment and frustration for your readers, as it often relies on coincidence or convenient plot twists rather than organic storytelling. By avoiding deus ex machina, you can create a more engaging and satisfying narrative that feels earned and ** authentic**, which is essential for building a strong connection with your audience and maintaining their trust in your storytelling ability.
What is Deus Ex Machina?
Deus ex machina is a Latin phrase that translates to “god from the machine,” referring to a plot device where a sudden, unexpected event or character is introduced to resolve a seemingly insoluble difficulty. This technique has been criticized for being inartistic and overly simplistic, as it can feel like a cop-out or a lazy writing device.
Criticism of Deus Ex Machina
Aristotle’s View
Aristotle famously criticized deus ex machina in his Poetics, arguing that the resolution of conflicts should arise internally from the story, rather than being introduced from outside. This approach emphasizes the importance of organic storytelling and foreshadowing, where the outcome is hinted at throughout the narrative.
FAQs
- What is an example of deus ex machina?: A classic example of deus ex machina is the “it was all a dream” ending, where the events of the story are revealed to be just a dream, rather than actual events.
- Why is deus ex machina considered bad writing?: Deus ex machina is considered bad writing because it can feel like a contrived and unearned solution to a problem, rather than a genuine and organic conclusion.
- How can you avoid deus ex machina in your writing?: To avoid deus ex machina, make sure to foreshadow events and plot twists throughout your story, and ensure that the resolution of conflicts arises internally from the narrative.
- What is the opposite of deus ex machina?: The opposite of deus ex machina is diabolus ex machina, where an unexpected event or character is introduced to make things worse for the protagonist, rather than better.
- Can deus ex machina be used effectively in storytelling?: While deus ex machina is generally considered a bad writing device, it can be used effectively in certain contexts, such as comedy or satire, where the absurdity and unexpectedness of the plot twist can be used to subvert audience expectations.
- What is the difference between deus ex machina and a plot twist?: A deus ex machina is a plot twist that is unearned and unforeshadowed, while a plot twist is a surprise turn of events that is hinted at throughout the story.
- How can you use deus ex machina in a sentence?: For example, “Only a deus ex machina could resolve the novel’s thorny crisis,” where the sudden introduction of a new character or event saves the day.
- Why did Aristotle criticize deus ex machina?: Aristotle criticized deus ex machina because it can feel like a lazy and inartistic way to resolve conflicts, rather than using organic and internally consistent storytelling.
- What is a modern example of deus ex machina?: A modern example of deus ex machina is the final battle in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, where a new Force ability is introduced that feels unearned and unforeshadowed.
- How can you create a satisfying payoff without using deus ex machina?: To create a satisfying payoff without using deus ex machina, make sure to foreshadow events and plot twists throughout your story, and ensure that the resolution of conflicts arises internally from the narrative.
- What is the rule of deus ex machina?: The rule of deus ex machina is that it should be avoided in favor of organic and internally consistent storytelling, where the outcome is hinted at throughout the narrative.
- Can deus ex machina be used in flash fiction?: Deus ex machina is generally considered a bad writing device in flash fiction, as it can feel like a cop-out or a lazy way to resolve conflicts in a short story.
- What does ex machina say about humanity?: Ex Machina raises questions about how we define consciousness and humanity, and how our instincts about these topics may mislead us.
- Who is known for using deus ex machina?: The ancient playwright Euripides is known for popularizing the use of deus ex machina in his plays.
- What is the difference between deus ex machina and a surprise ending?: A deus ex machina is a surprise ending that is unearned and unforeshadowed, while a surprise ending is a twist that is hinted at throughout the story and feels earned and authentic.